Arkansas State University - Indian Yearbook (Jonesboro, AR)

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Truly our school is a living, serving example of right triumphing over wrong and of the ever watchful eye behind the scatfold keeping watch over its own. Memory shows ever interwoven in the history of our school the serv- ice of our beloved President, Mr. Kays — coming to this institution in his twenties, fired with the ambition to carry out an educational theory and ideal ; he has labored night and day always ready to put a shoulder to the wheal of progress, whether at his desk or in the field, doing a man ' s work wherever needed. His personal sacrifices and great ability makes him head the list in the service of this institution. Early memory shows us the gentle, kindly sympathetic and intellectual personality of our former Registrar, Mr. D. T. Rogers, who after many years of service passed to his reward. While his place has been filled by our worthy Mr. Whitsitt, many are the hearts left with an ache in his passing, for he was the most universally loved man, not only in our school, but in the county. We see earnest students organizing societies and clubs to further their efforts. There are the Erosophian and Philocadian Literary Societies, the Whitsitt Debating Club, the Hoof and Horn Club, the Y. M. and Y. W. C. A. ' s and others. Memory lingers yet while we recall many great frays in which the Eros and Philos. battle in defense of the Winged Victory. Memory points out our great Dairy Barn and Herd, made possible through the endowment of our generous Board of Directors. As we rush on we see many happy Home-coming Days. Memory reveals the Athletic trophy case. Cheering crowds- — Aggie ever victorious. There are the laurels of many victories. Another trophy case! Many more contests — Aggie is ever winner in Stock-Judging Contests. A shadow falls — Memory passes quickly to the World War. Aggie responds to the call of Democracy and suffering humanity. The campus is covered with khaki clad boys. Her service flag is covered with stars, and some of these gold. Memory brightens and the social life is revealed. We see many happy gatherings, Hallowe ' en parties, Receptions, Carnivals and gaiety scattered like sunshine throughout the years. In 1922 the Mechanical Engineering Building is completed. The ful- fillment of a dream. In the same year the Y. M. C. A. is completed, a fine building with its spacious dining hall. Thirteen

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5. A. S. History ' ' The present still is echo of the past. Of both the future will an echo be. Lest we forget the sources of our institution and some historical evi- dences that still cling about it like ivy to some old monastery, let us here set down a few of the things that should be indelibly written upon the tablets of memory. In 1908 we see a few patriotic members of the Farmers ' Union real- izing the lack of opportunity of the boys and girls of the state of Arkansas to secure an education suitable to their needs and the necessity of up-build- ing the state by providing better education facilities for the home builders and home makers. They passed a resolution requesting the Legislature to establish four District Agricultural Schools. Hon. Geo. W. Donaghey, then candidate for governor, recommended the establishment of these institutions. The Legislature of 1909 responded by passing Act 100, providing for these institutions to be located. The people of Craighead County gave 200 acres of land and raised $40,000 by subscription at the urgent solicitation of a few patriotic citizens. So eager were the members of the Board of the First District to begin serving the people, that they opened school in the fall of 1910 in the second story of a business house in Jonesboro, and the girls ' dormi- tory was one of the private residences on Main street, and the boys ' , the old Martin home on Witt street. In 1911 we see the school launched upon a stormy political career. After many set-backs and under divine circumstance school was opened in its present location with the Main Building and two Dormitories as the only buildings of permanence. Day by day through the loyalty and sac- rifice of friends the institution increased its capacity for service. When the appropriations were cut, the members of the Board, banks of the District and friends endorsed paper to keep the wolf from the door. Teachers, imbued with the idea of service and loyalty, served without salaries for months, while politicians preyed upon it like vultures. The service of these loyal citizens lives and will continue to bless the people of this state long after the dying cry of derision or the lamentations of the grafters. Twelve

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Memory does not overlook the Aggie Yowler, an ancestor of the present Aggie Herald and the Yearling the annual publication, all factors in the history of the institution. We see Aggie in all its glory of achievement. Has the dream of its founders been realized? Is it the fulfilment of the vision of service? The answer lies in you and me, in the Alumni. And higher waves the Red and Black! And the vision of our President blesses us ! And the wisdom of our Faculty inspires us ! And we the inheritors of unfilled renown Rise from their thrones built beyond mortal thought Far in the unapparent ! Move forward then with steady pace To glories yet to be : New joy shines in a thousand eyes That now are fixed on thee. A thousand hearts beat with hope With ne ' er a thought of fear While all thy sons rise up and greet The future with a cheer. Fourteen